System and mechanism for upselling products on autonomous vehicles

ABSTRACT

According to one aspect, a platform for providing at least one item to a customer is disclosed. The platform includes an autonomous, semi-autonomous, or fully autonomous vehicle that includes at least one compartment configured to contain a first item ordered by the customer and to contain a second item not ordered by the customer. The platform further includes an application including an ordering module configured to obtain an order from the customer that includes the first item, and a release detection module configured to determine when the first item has been removed from the at least one compartment and configured to determine when the second item has been removed from the at least one compartment. In one embodiment, the second item is predicted using a machine learning algorithm.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/538,538, filed on Jul. 28, 2017, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. This applicationalso claims priority to, and is a continuation of, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/046,978, filed Jul. 26, 2018, the contents ofwhich are also incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles is a growing fieldof innovation. Vehicles are being used for many purposes includingwarehouse inventory operations, household operations, hospitaldeliveries, sanitation, and military or defense applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to an autonomous and/or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet comprising a plurality of vehicles, in particular vehicles fortransporting or retrieving deliveries in either unstructured outdoorenvironment or closed environments.

One aspect provided herein is a platform for autonomously orsemi-autonomously delivering a second item to a customer, the platformcomprising: an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle comprising: alocking compartment configured to contain and secure at least one of afirst item and at least one of a second item, wherein the lockingcompartment comprises a sensor configured to detect an absence of atleast one of the first item and the second item; an input deviceconfigured to receive at least one of a customer verification and aselection of the second item by the customer; and an autonomous orsemi-autonomous propulsion; and the platform further comprising anon-transitory computer-readable storage media encoded with a computerprogram including instructions executable by a processor to create anapplication comprising: an ordering module configured to receive anorder from the customer, the order comprising the first item and acustomer location; a delivery module controlling the autonomous orsemi-autonomous propulsion system to direct the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle to the customer location; and a customerverification module confirming an identity of the customer based on thecustomer verification and unlocking the locking compartment based on theconfirmation of the identity of the customer; and a release detectionmodule determining that first item has been removed from the compartmentbased on the absence of the first item, determining that second item hasbeen removed from the compartment based on the absence of the seconditem, or both.

In some embodiments, the sensor comprises at least one of a thermometer,a barcode scanner, an RFID reader, a scale, a pressure sensor, a switch,and a camera. In some embodiments, the input device comprises Wi-Fiinput device, a Bluetooth input device, a cellular input device, abutton, a touchscreen, a camera, a USB input, a keyboard, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the application furthercomprises a database module. In some embodiments, the database comprisesa customer data associated with the customer, and wherein theapplication further comprises a prediction module configured todetermine the second item based at least on the first item and thecustomer data. In some embodiments, the prediction module determines thesecond item by a machine learning algorithm. In some embodiments, theprediction module is further configured to send a loading instruction toa loading administrator based on the determination of the second item.In some embodiments, the database module comprises a plurality of uniqueidentifiers comprising at least a first identification and a secondidentification, wherein the first identification is associated with thefirst item, and wherein the second identification is associated with thesecond item. In some embodiments, the first item comprises a firstindicator associated with the first identification, the second itemcomprises a second indicator associated with the second identification,or both. In some embodiments, the release detection module detects thatfirst item has been removed by detecting the first indicator and releasedetection module detects that second item has been removed by detectingthe second indicator. In some embodiments, the locking compartment isconfigured to contain and secure 2 or more first items, 2 or more seconditems, or both. In some embodiments, the locking compartment furthercomprises a vending mechanism configured to vend at least one of thefirst item and the second item. In some embodiments the platform furthercomprises a communication device configured to receive an instructionfrom a fleet management module. In some embodiments, the instructioncomprises at least one of the customer location, and the customerverification. In some embodiments the platform further comprises atleast one of an energy storage device, and an energy collection device.In some embodiments the platform further comprises a screen configuredto display a media. In some embodiments, the media comprises a mediabased on the first item, a media associated with the second item, aprice associated with the first item, a price associated with the seconditem, the selection, the order, the absence of the first item, theabsence of the second item, the customer location, the customerverification, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, theapplication further comprises a payment module configured to charge thecustomer based on the first item being removed from the compartment,that second item being removed from the compartment, or both. In someembodiments, at least a portion of the application is performed aboardthe vehicle. In some embodiments, the processor resides aboard thevehicle. In some embodiments, the first item comprises a plurality offirst items, the second item comprises a plurality of second items, orboth.

Another aspect provided herein is an autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle for delivering a second item to a customer, the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle comprising: a first compartment configured tocontain, secure, and vend a first item; a second compartment configuredto contain, secure, and vend the second item, wherein the secondcompartment comprises a sensor configured to detect a presence of thesecond item; an input device configured to receive a selection of thesecond item by a customer; an autonomous or semi-autonomous propulsionsystem; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage media encodedwith a computer program including instructions executable by a processorto create an application comprising: an ordering module configured toreceive an order for the first item from a customer; a prediction moduleconfigured to determine the second item based at least on the first itemand a customer data associated with the customer, wherein the predictionmodule is further configured to send a loading instruction based on thesecond item; a delivery module controlling the autonomous orsemi-autonomous propulsion system to direct the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle to a location of the customer; a first vendingmodule directing the first compartment to vend the first item; a secondvending module directing the second compartment to vend the second itembased on the selection; and a confirmation module determining that thesecond item has been vended based at least on the detection of thepresence of the second item.

In some embodiments the input device comprises a button, a touchscreen,a Bluetooth sensor, a wireless network device, a cellular networkdevice, a camera, a USB input, a keyboard, or any combination thereof.In some embodiments the first compartment is configured to contain,secure, and vend 2 or more first items. In some embodiments the secondcompartment is configured to contain, secure, and vend 2 or more seconditems. In some embodiments at least the first item and the second itemis associated with a unique identifier. In some embodiments, the sensoris configured to detect the presence of the second item based on theunique identifier. In some embodiments the sensor comprises at least oneof a thermometer, a barcode scanner, an RFID reader, a scale, a pressuresensor, a switch, and a camera. In some embodiments vending the firstitem comprises unlocking a door of the first compartment, opening a doorof the first compartment, releasing the first item from the firstcompartment, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments vending thesecond item comprises unlocking a door of the second compartment,opening a door of the second compartment, releasing the second item fromthe second compartment, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle further comprises acommunication device configured to receive an instruction from a fleetmanagement module. In some embodiments the instruction comprises atleast one of the first item, the second item, the location of thecustomer, and an identity of the customer. In some embodiments, theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle further comprises at least one ofan energy storage device, and an energy collection device. In someembodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle further comprisesa screen configured to display a media. In some embodiments the mediacomprises a media associated with the first item, a media associatedwith the second item, a price associated with the first item, a priceassociated with the second item, the selection, the order, the presenceof the second item, the location of the customer, an identity of thecustomer, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments the predictionmodule is configured to determine the second item based at least on thefirst item and the customer data associated with the customer by amachine learning algorithm. In some embodiments the application furthercomprises a payment module configured to charge the customer based onthe vending of the first item, the presence of the second item, or both.In some embodiments the first compartment comprises a sensor configuredto detect a presence of the first item.

Another aspect provided herein is a vehicle fleet comprising a pluralityof autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles operating autonomously and/orsemi-autonomously and a fleet management module, associated with acentral server for coordination of the autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle fleet; the fleet management module configured to coordinate theactivity and positioning of each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclein the fleet, wherein the fleet is configured for transporting,delivering or retrieving goods or services and capable of operating inan unstructured open or closed environments; each autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle in the fleet comprising: a power system, aconveyance system; (e.g., a drive system with a propulsion engine,wheels, treads, wings, rotors, blowers, rockets, propellers, brakes,etc.); a navigation module for navigation in the unstructured open orclosed environments; (e.g., digital maps, HD maps, GPS); a communicationmodule configurable to receive, store and send data to the fleetmanagement module, a user, and the autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles in the fleet, related to at least; user interactions and theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet interactions, comprising:scheduled requests or orders, on-demand requests or orders, or a needfor self-positioning of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleetbased on anticipated demand within the unstructured open or closedenvironments; a sensor system, at least one securable compartment or aplurality of securable compartments to hold said goods or itemsassociated with said services; and a controller configurable toassociate each one of the at least one or plurality of securablecompartments to an assignable customer, or customer group in amarketplace, or provider and provide entry when authorized; at least oneprocessor configured to manage the conveyance system, the navigationmodule, the sensor system, instructions from the fleet managementmodule, the communication module, and the controller.

In some embodiments, the unstructured open environment is a non-confinedgeographic region accessible by navigable pathways comprising: publicroads; private roads; bike paths; open fields; open public lands; openprivate lands; pedestrian walkways; lakes; rivers; streams; or openairspace.

In some embodiments, the closed environment is a confined, enclosed orsemi-enclosed structure accessible by navigable pathways comprising:open areas or rooms within commercial architecture, with or withoutstructures or obstacles therein; airspace within open areas or roomswithin commercial architecture, with or without structures or obstaclestherein; public or dedicated aisles; hallways; tunnels; ramps;elevators; conveyors; or pedestrian walkways.

In some embodiments, the navigation module controls routing of theconveyance system of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles in thefleet in the unstructured open or closed environments.

In some embodiments, the communication to the user, to the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles in the fleet, between the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles of the fleet, and between the user and theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles in the fleet, occurs via wirelesstransmission.

In some embodiments, the user comprises a fleet manager; asub-contracting vendor; a service provider; a customer; a businessentity; an individual; or a third party.

In some embodiments, the user's wireless transmission interactions andthe autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet wireless transmissioninteractions occur via mobile application transmitted by an electronicdevice and forwarded to the communication module via: a central server;a fleet management module; and/or a mesh network.

In some embodiments, the electronic device comprises: a phone; apersonal mobile device; a personal digital assistant (PDA); a mainframecomputer; a desktop computer; a laptop computer; a tablet computer;and/or wearable computing device comprising: a communication headset;smart glasses; a contact lens or lenses; a digital watch; a bracelet; aring; jewelry; or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet isconfigured with a maximum speed range from 1.0 mph to 90.0 mph.

In some embodiments, the plurality of securable compartments arehumidity and temperature controlled for: hot goods, cold goods, wetgoods, dry goods, or combinations or variants thereof.

In some embodiments, the plurality of securable compartments areconfigurable for a plurality of goods. Such configurations and goodscomprise: bookshelves for books; thin drawers for documents; largerbox-like drawers for packages, and sized compartments for vendingmachines, coffee makers, pizza ovens and dispensers.

In some embodiments, the plurality of securable compartments arevariably configurable based on: anticipated demands; patterns ofbehaviors; area of service; or types of goods to be transported.

In some embodiments, the services comprise: subscription services;prescription services; marketing services; advertising services;notification services; a mobile marketplace; or requested, ordered orscheduled delivery services. In particular embodiments, the scheduleddelivery services include, by way of example, special repeat deliveriessuch as groceries, prescriptions, drinks, mail, documents, etc.

In some embodiments, the services further comprise: the user receivingand returning the same or similar goods within the same interaction;(e.g., signed documents); the user receiving one set of goods andreturning a different set of goods within the same interaction; (e.g.,product replacement/returns, groceries, merchandise, books, recording,videos, movies, payment transactions, etc.); a third party userproviding instruction and or authorization to a goods or serviceprovider to prepare, transport, deliver and/or retrieve goods to aprinciple user in a different location.

In some embodiments, the services further comprise: general services,(e.g., picking up a user's dry cleaning, dropping off a user's drycleaning, renting goods, (such as tools, DVDs, etc.), sharing/borrowinggoods from other users or businesses, etc.). Further still, it may be ageneral pickup service for items to be shipped, returned, or sent toother users/businesses, etc.

In some embodiments, at least one autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclein the fleet is further configured to process or manufacture goods.

In some embodiments, the processed or manufactured goods comprise:beverages, etc., with or without condiments; (e.g., coffee, tea,carbonated drinks, etc.); a plurality of fast foods; or microwavablefoods.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleetfurther comprises at least one autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclehaving a digital display for curated content comprising: advertisements(i.e., for both specific user and general public), including; servicesprovided, marketing/promotion, regional/location of areas served,customer details, local environment, lost, sought or detected people,public service announcements, date, time, or weather.

In some embodiments of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet,the positioning of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles can becustomized based on: anticipated use, a pattern of historical behaviors,or specific goods being carried.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet isfully-autonomous.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet issemi-autonomous.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet iscontrolled directly by the user.

In some embodiments of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet,a plurality of said autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles within thefleet is operated on behalf of third party vendor/service provider;(e.g., fleet managed by an owner, but providing a coffeeservice/experience for a third party vendor (i.e., Starbucks) with whitelabel vehicles in the fleet).

In some embodiments of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet,a plurality of said autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles within thefleet is further configured to be part of a sub-fleet comprising asub-plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, wherein eachsub-fleet is configured to operate independently or in tandem withmultiple sub-fleets comprising two or more sub-fleets.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle fleet, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an perspective view of an exemplary autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle comprising a plurality of compartments, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is an front view of an exemplary autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle beside a walking person, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is an right side view of an exemplary autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is an left side view of an exemplary autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle beside an average person, in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 6 is an rear view of an exemplary autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary food delivery autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary pizza delivery autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary coffee delivery autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary meal delivery autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicle comprising a lighted interior, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an exemplary vending autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of another exemplary vending autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary flowchart representation of the logic for afleet management control module associated with a central server for theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flowchart representation of the logic flow fromthe Fleet Management Control Module through the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle processor to the various systems and modules ofthe autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 14 shows a non-limiting schematic diagram of a digital processingdevice; in this case, a device with one or more CPUs, a memory, acommunication interface, and a display;

FIG. 15 shows a non-limiting schematic diagram of a web/mobileapplication provision system; in this case, a system providingbrowser-based and/or native mobile user interfaces;

FIG. 16 shows a non-limiting schematic diagram of a cloud-basedweb/mobile application provision system; in this case, a systemcomprising an elastically load balanced, auto-scaling web server andapplication server resources as well synchronously replicated databases;and

FIG. 17 shows a non-limiting schematic diagram of a platform forautonomously or semi-autonomously delivering a second item to acustomer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to an autonomous and/or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet comprising a plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles,for transporting or retrieving deliveries in either open unstructuredoutdoor environments or closed environments.

Many marketplaces and vendors encourage purchases of additionalproducts, such as, for example, by placing candies near the checkoutcounter of a grocery store. Although such additional products arecarefully selected and positioned to attract attention from the averagecustomer, such techniques cannot be optimized to upsell items based onthe particular customer or their intended purchase.

While additional purchase encouragement can also be performed by manualor autonomous product delivery, no current systems, methods, or devicesare configured to maintain a pertinent and easily customizable mobilestock. Further, such systems and platforms are not configured forreal-time order amendments or returns. Finally, as cargo space islimited in most autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, for energyconsumption, and as such systems do not employ human teller, triage andprioritization of any upsell stock is uniquely pertinent.

As such, provided herein is an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fordelivering a second item to a customer, the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle comprising: a first compartment configured tocontain, secure, and vend a first item; a second compartment configuredto contain, secure, and vend the second item, wherein the secondcompartment comprises a sensor configured to detect a presence of thesecond item; an input device configured to receive a selection of thesecond item by a customer. In some embodiments, the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle is configured to maintain a pertinent and easilycustomizable mobile stock. The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle maybe configured for real-time order amendments or returns and prioritizeand predict additional sale items that are uniquely pertinent.

Fleet of Autonomous or Semi-Autonomous Vehicles

Provided herein, per FIG. 1, is an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet 100, comprising a plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles 101, each one operating autonomously or semi-autonomously.

In some embodiments, the fleet 100 of vehicles is fully-autonomous. Insome embodiments, the fleet 100 of vehicles is semi-autonomous. In someembodiments, at least one of a fleet operator 200, a provider 204, and acustomer 202 can override and manually control the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle 101. Manual override may be required to addressnavigation malfunctions, provider inventory issues, or unanticipatedtraffic, mechanical failure, electrical failure, traffic accident, androad conditions. In some embodiments, manual control comprises directcontrol of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle's 101 processor tooverride the conveyance and sensor systems. In other cases, manualcontrol comprises a fleet operator manually returning the vehicle to abase station for repair.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet 100is controlled directly by a user 200. In some embodiments of theplurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles 101 within the fleet100 is operated on behalf of third party vendor or service provider. Thethird party vendor or service provider may comprise a food and beverageprovider.

In some embodiments of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet,a plurality of said autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles within thefleet is further configured to be part of a sub-fleet comprising asub-plurality of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, each sub-fleetis configured to operate independently or in tandem with multiplesub-fleets comprising two or more sub-fleets (100-a, 100-b). In the casewherein the third party vendor or service provider comprises a food andbeverage provider, a sub-fleet of “white label” vehicles may display thelogo and vend the products of the third party food and beverageprovider.

In the case where the third party vendor or service provider comprises apackage delivery service, multiple sub-fleets can be employed, each ofwhich provide a specific service to its customer. Levels of service inthis case may include immediate dedicated rush service, guaranteedmorning/afternoon delivery service, and general delivery service.Alternatively, a third party may have priority over a certain number ofautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles 101 in the fleet 100, which areotherwise tasked with alternative assignments (e.g., other thirdparties) to guarantee a certain level of responsiveness.

Fleet Management Module

In some embodiments of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet100, the fleet comprises a fleet management module 120 for coordinationof the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles 101 in the fleet 100 andcommunication with fleet owners, fleet operators, users, serviceproviders, vendors, businesses and customers to optimize assignment andcoordination. The fleet management module may work in coordination witha central server 110. The central server 110 may be located in a centraloperating facility owned or managed by the fleet owner 200.

In some embodiments, the fleet management module 120 may direct each ofthe autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles 101 through a navigationmodule 140. The navigation module 140 may employ maps generated by theuser, an operator, the public or a fleet operator, comprising digitalmaps, HD maps, weather conditions, elevation maps, GPS coordinates, orany combination thereof to operate within structured, open unstructured,or closed environments. The a navigation module 140 may further employ asensor on board the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles 101, such asa camera, a LiDAR, an altimeters, a microphone, a GPS sensor, or aradar, to confirm its augment or confirm the navigational instructions,driving conditions, and uncharted obstacles. As such, the navigationmodule 140, in combination with processors and/or applications aboardthe autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles 101 enable a safe, robustnavigation trajectory.

In some embodiments, the autonomous fleet 100 is strategicallypositioned throughout a geographic region in anticipation of a knowndemand. Over time, a user 200 and/or a vendor 204 can anticipate demandfor autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle services by storing datarelating to the quantity, timing, and type of orders received in eachregion. Such demand prediction can be performed for both source location(e.g., restaurants, grocery stores, general businesses, etc.) anddelivery location (e.g., customer, other businesses, etc.). Such demandpredictions can further be weighted by the cost or importance of thegood or service and employ historical trends for higher efficiency andthroughput. As such, the fleet management module 120 may position theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles 101 as close as possible to theexpected source locations.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, in one embodiment, a request is sent to amain server 110, which then communicates with the fleet managementmodule 120 to relay the request to a service provider 204 (e.g.,restaurant, delivery service, vendor, or retailer) and an one or moreautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles 101 in the fleet 100. The fleetmanagement module 120 may select the autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicles 101 in the fleet 100 within the geographic region and/orproximity service provider. The assigned autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle 101 then arrives at a location associated with the serviceprovider 204 to receive the good. The autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle 101 then travels to the customer 202, whereby the customerinteracts with the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 to retrievetheir goods or service (e.g., an ordered good) by, for example,requesting that the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 open itscompartment 102, 104. The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 mayreceive the request through a customer application, or a user interfaceon the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 itself, comprising, forexample, an RFID reader, a touchpad, a keypad, a voice command, or avision-based recognition. Upon completion of the delivery (or retrieval,if appropriate), the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 reportscompletion of the assignment and waits, or returns to a start location,for re-assignment.

In some embodiments, per FIG. 13, the fleet management module 120coordinates the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet 100 byutilizing the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle's processor 125 toprocess data from each of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle'ssystems and modules such as the conveyance system 130, the power system135, the navigation module 140, the sensor system 170, 175, thecommunication module 160, and the controller 150.

In another example, the provided service comprises retrieval of an itemfrom a first party and delivery of the item to a second party. In thisscenario, the fleet management module 120 may assign the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle 101 to arrive at a given location associatedwith the first party, assign a securable compartment within theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 for receipt of the item,confirm receipt of the item from the first party, navigate to a locationassociated with the second party, deliver the item to the second partyupon, and receive delivery confirmation from the second party. In someembodiments, delivery of the item to the second party comprises thesecond party entering a PIN or other recognition code to gain access tothe secure compartment.

Autonomous Vehicles

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-11B, an exemplary autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle 101 may comprise an autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle configured for land travel. The autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle 101 may have a width, a height, and a length,wherein the length is about 2 feet to about 5 feet. The autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle 101 may be lightweight and have a low center ofgravity for increased stability. The autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle 101 may be configurable for land, water, or air. The autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicle 101 may comprise a land vehicle such as, forexample, a car, a wagon, a van, a tricycle, a truck, a trailer, a bus, atrain, or a tram. The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 maycomprise a watercraft such as, for example, a ship, a boat, a ferry, alanding craft, a barge, a rafts, or a hovercraft. Alternatively, theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 may comprise an aircraft or aspacecraft.

Each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 in the fleet may comprisean autonomous or semi-autonomous propulsion system 130 comprising adrive system, a propulsion engine, a wheel, a treads, a wing, a rotor, ablower, a rocket, a propeller, a brake, or any combination thereof.

In one exemplary embodiment, an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle101 comprises a land vehicle configured with a traditional 4-wheeledautomotive configuration comprising conventional steering and brakingsystems. In this embodiment, the drive train may be configurable forstandard 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel all-terrain traction drive, and thepropulsion system may be configurable as a gas engine, a turbine engine,an electric motor and/or a hybrid gas/electric engine.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 isconfigured for water travel as a watercraft with a propulsion systemcomprising a gas engine, a turbine engine, an electric motor and/or ahybrid gas/electric engine, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 is configuredfor hover travel as an over-land or over-water hovercraft or anair-cushion vehicle (ACV) and is configured with blowers to produce alarge volume of air below the hull that is slightly above atmosphericpressure. In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle101 is configured for air travel as an aerial drone or aerial hovercraftand is configured with wings, rotors, blowers, rockets, and/orpropellers and an appropriate brake system.

The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 may further comprise anauxiliary solar power system 135 to provide back-up emergency power orpower for minor low-power sub-systems. In some embodiments, eachautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle of the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle fleet is configured with one or more powersources, such as battery, solar, gasoline, or propane.

Each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 in the fleet 100 maycomprise a sensor system 170 comprising a plurality of onboard sensorssuch as, for example, a camera, a video camera, a LiDAR, a radar, anultrasonic sensor, and a microphone. Each autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle 101 may further comprise an internal computer 125 for real timenavigation and obstacle avoidance, based on the data received by thesensors.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles mayfurther comprise an autonomous or semi-autonomous propulsion systemsensor 175 configured to monitor drive mechanism performance (e.g., thepropulsion engine), power system levels 135 (e.g., battery, solar,gasoline, propane, etc.), monitor drive train performance (e.g.,transmission, tires, brakes, rotors, etc.), or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle isfurther configured to process or manufacture a good. In someembodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle is configured toprocess or manufacture the good in-transit. In some embodiments, theprocessed or manufactured good comprises: a beverage with or withoutcondiments (such as coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, etc.), a fast food,a microwavable food, a reheatable food, or a rehydratable food.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle isequipped for financial transactions through debit or credit cardreaders.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101further comprises a digital display for curated content comprisingadvertisements, marketing promotions, a public service notification, anemergency notification, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 has adriving speed of about 1 miles per hour (mph) to about 90 mph, toaccommodate inner-city, residential, and intrastate or interstatedriving. In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet is configured for land travel. In some embodiments, eachautonomous land vehicle in the fleet is configured with a working speedrange from 13.0 mph to 45.0 mph. In some embodiments, the autonomousland vehicles in the fleet are configured with a maximum speed rangefrom 13.0 mph to about 90.0 mph. In some embodiments, the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle fleet is configured for water travel as awatercraft and is configured with a working speed range from 1.0 mph to45.0 mph. In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet is configured for hover travel as an over-land or over-waterhovercraft and is configured with a working speed range from 1.0 mph to60.0 mph. In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet is configured for air travel as an aerial drone or aerialhovercraft and is configured with a working speed range from 1.0 mph to80.0 mph.

Communications Module

Each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 may comprise acommunication module 160 configurable to receive and send data from thefleet management module 120, and the user. In some embodiments the datais related user interactions and autonomous or semi-autonomous vehiclefleet interactions, comprising: scheduled requests or orders, on-demandrequests or orders, or a self-positioning request. In some embodiments,the communication module 160 receives and sends data via wirelesstransmission. In some embodiments, the wireless transmission occur via amobile application on an electronic device via a central server, a fleetmanagement module, a mesh network, cellular communication (e.g., 3G, 4G,and 5G), satellite communications, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the electronic device comprises a phone, a personal mobiledevice, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mainframe computer, adesktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and/or wearablecomputing device comprising: a communication headset, smart glasses, acontact lens or lenses, a digital watch, a bracelet, a ring, a jewelry,or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, business 204 and customers 202 communicate with thefleet operator 200 through their own app/interface. In some embodiments,each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 further comprises amemory device to store the data for future data transfer or manualdownload.

Securable Compartments

As illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, in some embodiments, the plurality ofcompartments may be humidity and/or temperature controlled for: hotgoods; cold goods; wet goods; dry goods, or combinations thereof. Insome embodiments, the plurality of securable compartments areconfigurable for a plurality of goods. Exemplary compartments and goodscomprise: bookshelves for books; thin drawers for documents; largerbox-like drawers for packages, sized compartments for vending machines,embedded coffee makers, pizza ovens, and dispensers. In someembodiments, the plurality of securable compartments can be configuredand reconfigured based on: anticipated demands, patterns of behaviors,area of service, the types of goods to be transported, or anycombination thereof Alternately, the compartments may be configured tocontain a set of goods to form a mobile marketplace (similar to a minibar at a hotel). Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the compartmentmay further comprise various additional amenities such as lights fornight deliveries, condiment dispensers, and display screens. In someembodiments, the plurality of securable compartments are set up forrolling food trucks. In some embodiments, the plurality of securablecompartments are set up for rolling pharmacies. In some embodiments, theplurality of securable compartments are set up for rolling first aidkits. One or more of the compartments may be configured with the samesize, the same shape, or both. One or more of the compartments may beconfigured with the different sizes, shapes, or both. Each compartmentmay comprise one or more inserts to secure at least one of the firstitem and the second item.

One aspect provided herein is, per FIG. 11A, is an autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle 101 for delivering a second item 1120 to acustomer, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 comprising afirst compartment 1111, a second compartment 1121, and an input device1140. In some embodiments, the first compartment 1111 is configured tocontain, secure, and vend a first item 1110. In some embodiments, thesecond compartment 1121 is configured to contain, secure, and vend thesecond item 1120. In some embodiments, the second compartment 1121comprises a sensor 1130 configured to detect a presence of the seconditem 1120. In some embodiments the input device 1140 is configured toreceive a selection of the second item 1120 by a customer. In someembodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 furthercomprises an autonomous or semi-autonomous propulsion system.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101further comprises a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediaencoded with a computer program including instructions executable by aprocessor to create an application comprising: an ordering module, aprediction module, a delivery module, a first vending module, a secondvending module, and a confirmation module. In some embodiments, theordering module is configured to receive an order for the first itemfrom a customer. In some embodiments, the prediction module configuredto determine the second item 1120 based at least on the first item 1110and a customer data associated with the customer. In some embodiments,the prediction module is further configured to send a loadinginstruction based on the second item 1120. In some embodiments, thedelivery module controls the autonomous or semi-autonomous propulsionsystem to direct the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 101 to alocation of the customer. In some embodiments, the first vending moduledirects the first compartment 1111 to vend the first item 1110. In someembodiments, the second vending module directs the second compartment1121 to vend the second item 1120 based on the selection. In someembodiments, the confirmation module determines that the second item1120 has been vended based at least on the detection of the presence ofthe second item 1120. In some embodiments the application furthercomprises a payment module configured to charge the customer based onthe vending of the first item, the presence of the second item, or both.In some embodiments the first compartment comprises a sensor configuredto detect a presence of the first item.

In some embodiments the input device comprises a button, a touchscreen,a Bluetooth sensor, a wireless network device, a cellular networkdevice, a camera, a USB input, a keyboard, or any combination thereof.In some embodiments the first compartment is configured to contain,secure, and vend 2 or more first items. In some embodiments the secondcompartment is configured to contain, secure, and vend 2 or more seconditems. In some embodiments at least the first item and the second itemis associated with a unique identifier. In some embodiments, the sensoris configured to detect the presence of the second item based on theunique identifier. In some embodiments the sensor comprises at least oneof a thermometer, a barcode scanner, an RFID reader, a scale, a pressuresensor, a switch, and a camera. In some embodiments vending the firstitem comprises unlocking a door of the first compartment, opening a doorof the first compartment, releasing the first item from the firstcompartment, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments vending thesecond item comprises unlocking a door of the second compartment,opening a door of the second compartment, releasing the second item fromthe second compartment, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle furthercomprises a communication device configured to receive an instructionfrom a fleet management module. In some embodiments the instructioncomprises at least one of the first item, the second item, the locationof the customer, and an identity of the customer. In some embodiments,the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle further comprises at least oneof an energy storage device, and an energy collection device. In someembodiments, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle further comprisesa screen configured to display a media. In some embodiments the mediacomprises a media associated with the first item, a media associatedwith the second item, a price associated with the first item, a priceassociated with the second item, the selection, the order, the presenceof the second item, the location of the customer, an identity of thecustomer, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments the predictionmodule is configured to determine the second item based at least on thefirst item and the customer data associated with the customer by amachine learning algorithm.

In some embodiments, an algorithm is used to determine the second itemto stock with each order based on the current order, a customer's pastpurchasing history, or other aggregate purchasing behaviors of customerssimilar to the current customer based on demographics, locations, typeof purchases, or other factors. In some cases, the second item comprisesa complementary product, a product variety, a product option, or anycombination thereof.

In some embodiments, the second item determined by the algorithm isloaded onto the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by a person orautomated loading system.

At least one of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle and thecompartment may comprise a controller 150 configured to associate eachone of the plurality of securable compartments 102, 104 to an assignedcustomer 202 or provider 204 and provide entry to the securablecompartments 102, 104 upon authorization. Each securable compartments102, 104 may be secured separately to transport goods to separate setsof customers 202. As such, the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle maydeliver a first good or service to a first assigned customer from withina first securable compartment 102, 104 and then deliver a second good orservice to a second assigned customer from within the securablecompartment 102, 104.

Upon arrival of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to thecustomer destination, the customer may open their respectivecompartment(s) by verifying their identity. In one embodiment, thecustomer verifies their identity by providing a PIN (e.g., 4 digitnumber) via a touchscreen or a keypad within the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle, which they received upon initial request/order.The customer can verify themselves using their mobile phone and an RFIDreader on the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. Alternatively, thecustomer is verified through voice recognition of a keyword orkey-phrase, wherein the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle comprisesa microphone and a voice recognition application for recognitionthereof. Further, in another embodiment, the customer is verifiedthrough facial or identification recognition, wherein the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle comprises a camera and a facial recognitionapplication for recognition thereof. Additionally or alternatively, thecustomer is verified through a magnetic strip, RFID key or any othercomputer readable form of identification. Finally, in anotherembodiment, the customer is verified by entering a code oridentification value on their mobile device, wherein the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle receives a cellular signal comprising aconfirmation of the user or data related to the code of identificationof the user.

In some embodiments, the vehicle could be configured for water travel,providing at least one and preferably two large storage compartments,and more preferably, at least one large compartment is configured with aplurality of smaller internal secure compartments of variableconfigurations to carry individual items that are to be delivered to, orneed to be retrieved from customers. Further still, in some embodiments,the vehicle could be configured for hover travel, providing at least oneand preferably two large storage compartments, and more preferably, atleast one large compartment is configured with a plurality of smallerinternal secure compartments of variable configurations to carryindividual items that are to be delivered to, or need to be retrievedfrom customers. Further still, in some embodiments, the vehicle could beconfigured for aerial drone or aerial hover travel, providing at leastone and preferably two large storage compartments, and more preferably,at least one large compartment is configured with a plurality of smallerinternal secure compartments of variable configurations to carryindividual items that are to be delivered to, or need to be retrievedfrom customers.

Operating Environments

The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles 101 in the fleet 100 may beconfigured to operate within a variety of unstructured open operatingenvironments to enable service to a broad range of locations.

In some embodiments, the unstructured open environment is a non-confinedgeographic region accessible by navigable pathways comprising: publicroads; private roads; bike paths; open fields, open public lands, openprivate lands, pedestrian walkways, lakes, rivers, or streams.

In some embodiments, the closed environment is a confined, enclosed, orsemi-enclosed structure accessible by navigable pathways comprising:open areas or rooms within commercial architecture, with or withoutstructures or obstacles therein; airspace within open areas or roomswithin commercial architecture, with or without structures or obstaclestherein; public or dedicated aisles; hallways; tunnels; ramps;elevators; conveyors; or pedestrian walkways.

In some embodiments, the unstructured open environment is a non-confinedairspace or even near-space environment which includes all main layersof the Earth's atmosphere comprising the troposphere, the stratosphere,the mesosphere, thermosphere and the exosphere. In some embodiments, thenavigation module controls routing of the conveyance system of thevehicles in the fleet in the unstructured open or closed environments.

Goods and Services

In some embodiments, the user comprises a fleet manager, asub-contracting vendor, a service provider, a customer, a businessentity, an individual, or a third party.

In some embodiments, the services comprises a subscription service, aprescription service, a marketing service, an advertising service, anotification service, a requested service, an ordered service, ascheduled delivery service, or any combination thereof. For example, thescheduled delivery services may include special repeat deliveries suchas groceries, prescriptions, drinks, mail, documents, or any combinationthereof.

In some embodiments, the services alternatively or further comprise areturn of a good (e.g., a signed document), receiving one set of goodsand returning a different set of goods (e.g., productreplacement/returns, groceries, merchandise, books, recording, videos,movies, payment transactions, etc.), or a third party user providinginstruction and or authorization to a goods or service provider toprepare, transport, deliver and/or retrieve goods to a principle user ina different location. In some embodiments, the services further oralternatively comprise: advertising services, land survey services,patrol services, monitoring services, traffic survey services, signageand signal survey services, architectural building, or roadinfrastructure survey services.

In some embodiments, the service further or alternatively comprisesprocessing or manufacturing a good. In some embodiments, the autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicle is configured to process or manufacture thegood in-transit. In some embodiments, the processed or manufactured goodcomprises: a beverage with or without condiments (such as coffee, tea,carbonated drinks, etc.), a fast food, a microwavable food, a reheatablefood, or a rehydratable food. In some embodiments, the service comprisesa financial transaction.

In some embodiments, the service comprises advertising, marketing,public safety, public service, or any combination thereof.

Controller(s) and Processor(s)

In some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle in theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet is equipped with one or moreprocessors 125 capable of both high-level computing for processing aswell as low-level safety-critical computing capacity for controlling thehardware. The at least one processor is configured to manage theconveyance system, the navigation module, the sensor system,instructions from the fleet management module, the communication moduleand the controller.

Further still, in some embodiments, each autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle in the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet is equippedwith a controller 150 configurable to associate each one of theplurality of securable compartments 102, 104 to an assignable customer202 or provider 204 and provide entry when authorized.

Digital Processing Device

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdescribed herein include a digital processing device, or use of thesame. In further embodiments, the digital processing device includes oneor more hardware central processing units (CPUs) or general purposegraphics processing units (GPGPUs) that carry out the device'sfunctions. In still further embodiments, the digital processing devicefurther comprises an operating system configured to perform executableinstructions. In some embodiments, the digital processing device isoptionally connected a computer network. In further embodiments, thedigital processing device is optionally connected to the Internet suchthat it accesses the World Wide Web. In still further embodiments, thedigital processing device is optionally connected to a cloud computinginfrastructure. In other embodiments, the digital processing device isoptionally connected to an intranet. In other embodiments, the digitalprocessing device is optionally connected to a data storage device.

In accordance with the description herein, suitable digital processingdevices include, by way of non-limiting examples, server computers,desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, sub-notebookcomputers, netbook computers, netpad computers, set-top computers, andmedia streaming devices, handheld computers, Internet appliances, mobilesmartphones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, video gameconsoles, and vehicles. Those of skill in the art will recognize thatmany smartphones are suitable for use in the system described herein.Those of skill in the art will also recognize that select televisions,video players, and digital music players with optional computer networkconnectivity are suitable for use in the system described herein.Suitable tablet computers include those with booklet, slate, andconvertible configurations, known to those of skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an operatingsystem configured to perform executable instructions. The operatingsystem is, for example, software, including programs and data, whichmanages the device's hardware and provides services for execution ofapplications. Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitableserver operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD®, Linux, Apple® Mac OS X Server®, Oracle®Solaris®, Windows Server®, and Novell® NetWare®. Those of skill in theart will recognize that suitable personal computer operating systemsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, Microsoft® Windows®, Apple®Mac OS X®, UNIX®, and UNIX-like operating systems such as GNU/Linux®. Insome embodiments, the operating system is provided by cloud computing.Those of skill in the art will also recognize that suitable mobile smartphone operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Nokia®Symbian® OS, Apple® iOS®, Research In Motion® BlackBerry OS®, Google®Android®, Microsoft® Windows Phone® OS, Microsoft® Windows Mobile® OS,Linux®, and Palm® WebOS®. Those of skill in the art will also recognizethat suitable media streaming device operating systems include, by wayof non-limiting examples, Apple TV®, Roku®, Boxee®, Google TV®, GoogleChromecast®, Amazon Fire®, and Samsung® HomeSync®. Those of skill in theart will also recognize that suitable video game console operatingsystems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Sony® PS3®, Sony®PS4®, Microsoft® Xbox 360®, Microsoft Xbox One, Nintendo® Wii®,Nintendo® Wii U®, and Ouya®.

In some embodiments, the device includes a storage and/or memory device.The storage and/or memory device is one or more physical apparatusesused to store data or programs on a temporary or permanent basis. Insome embodiments, the device is volatile memory and requires power tomaintain stored information. In some embodiments, the device isnon-volatile memory and retains stored information when the digitalprocessing device is not powered. In further embodiments, thenon-volatile memory comprises flash memory. In some embodiments, thenon-volatile memory comprises dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). Insome embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises ferroelectric randomaccess memory (FRAM). In some embodiments, the non-volatile memorycomprises phase-change random access memory (PRAM). In otherembodiments, the device is a storage device including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, magneticdisk drives, magnetic tapes drives, optical disk drives, and cloudcomputing based storage. In further embodiments, the storage and/ormemory device is a combination of devices such as those disclosedherein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes a display tosend visual information to a user. In some embodiments, the display is aliquid crystal display (LCD). In further embodiments, the display is athin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). In someembodiments, the display is an organic light emitting diode (OLED)display. In various further embodiments, on OLED display is apassive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) or active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) display. Insome embodiments, the display is a plasma display. In other embodiments,the display is a video projector. In yet other embodiments, the displayis a head-mounted display in communication with the digital processingdevice, such as a VR headset. In further embodiments, suitable VRheadsets include, by way of non-limiting examples, HTC Vive, OculusRift, Samsung Gear VR, Microsoft HoloLens, Razer OSVR, FOVE VR, Zeiss VROne, Avegant Glyph, Freefly VR headset, and the like. In still furtherembodiments, the display is a combination of devices such as thosedisclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an inputdevice to receive information from a user. In some embodiments, theinput device is a keyboard. In some embodiments, the input device is apointing device including, by way of non-limiting examples, a mouse,trackball, track pad, joystick, game controller, or stylus. In someembodiments, the input device is a touch screen or a multi-touch screen.In other embodiments, the input device is a microphone to capture voiceor other sound input. In other embodiments, the input device is a videocamera or other sensor to capture motion or visual input. In furtherembodiments, the input device is a Kinect, Leap Motion, or the like. Instill further embodiments, the input device is a combination of devicessuch as those disclosed herein.

Referring to FIG. 14, in a particular embodiment, a digital processingdevice 1401 is programmed or otherwise configured to managing autonomousor semi-autonomous vehicles. The device 1401 is programmed or otherwiseconfigured to manage autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles. In thisembodiment, the digital processing device 1401 includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU, also “processor” and “computer processor” herein)1405, which is optionally a single core, a multi core processor, or aplurality of processors for parallel processing. The digital processingdevice 1401 also includes memory or memory location 1410 (e.g.,random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronicstorage unit 1415 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 1420 (e.g.,network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, andperipheral devices 1425, such as cache, other memory, data storageand/or electronic display adapters. The memory 1410, storage unit 1415,interface 1420 and peripheral devices 1425 are in communication with theCPU 1405 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as amotherboard. The storage unit 1415 comprises a data storage unit (ordata repository) for storing data. The digital processing device 1401 isoptionally operatively coupled to a computer network (“network”) 1430with the aid of the communication interface 1420. The network 1430, invarious cases, is the internet, an internet, and/or extranet, or anintranet and/or extranet that is in communication with the internet. Thenetwork 1430, in some cases, is a telecommunication and/or data network.The network 1430 optionally includes one or more computer servers, whichenable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 1430,in some cases, with the aid of the device 1401, implements apeer-to-peer network, which enables devices coupled to the device 1401to behave as a client or a server.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, the CPU 1405 is configured to execute asequence of machine-readable instructions, embodied in a program,application, and/or software. The instructions are optionally stored ina memory location, such as the memory 1410. The instructions aredirected to the CPU 105, which subsequently program or otherwiseconfigure the CPU 1405 to implement methods of the present disclosure.Examples of operations performed by the CPU 1405 include fetch, decode,execute, and write back. The CPU 1405 is, in some cases, part of acircuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components ofthe device 1401 are optionally included in the circuit. In some cases,the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or afield programmable gate array (FPGA).

Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, the storage unit 1415 optionally storesfiles, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit1415 optionally stores user data, e.g., user preferences and userprograms. The digital processing device 1401, in some cases, includesone or more additional data storage units that are external, such aslocated on a remote server that is in communication through an intranetor the internet.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 14, the digital processing device 1401optionally communicates with one or more remote computer systems throughthe network 1430. For instance, the device 1401 optionally communicateswith a remote computer system of a user. Examples of remote computersystems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tabletPCs (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab, etc.), smartphones (e.g.,Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®, etc.), or personaldigital assistants.

Methods as described herein are optionally implemented by way of machine(e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronicstorage location of the digital processing device 101, such as, forexample, on the memory 1410 or electronic storage unit 1415. The machineexecutable or machine readable code is optionally provided in the formof software. During use, the code is executed by the processor 1405. Insome cases, the code is retrieved from the storage unit 1415 and storedon the memory 1410 for ready access by the processor 1405. In somesituations, the electronic storage unit 1415 is precluded, andmachine-executable instructions are stored on the memory 1410.

Non-Transitory Computer Readable Storage Medium

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include one or more non-transitory computer readablestorage media encoded with a program including instructions executableby the operating system of an optionally networked digital processingdevice. In further embodiments, a computer readable storage medium is atangible component of a digital processing device. In still furtherembodiments, a computer readable storage medium is optionally removablefrom a digital processing device. In some embodiments, a computerreadable storage medium includes, by way of non-limiting examples,CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, solid state memory, magnetic diskdrives, magnetic tape drives, optical disk drives, cloud computingsystems and services, and the like. In some cases, the program andinstructions are permanently, substantially permanently,semi-permanently, or non-transitorily encoded on the media.

Computer Program

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include at least one computer program, or use of thesame. A computer program includes a sequence of instructions, executablein the digital processing device's CPU, written to perform a specifiedtask. Computer readable instructions may be implemented as programmodules, such as functions, objects, Application Programming Interfaces(APIs), data structures, and the like, that perform particular tasks orimplement particular abstract data types. In light of the disclosureprovided herein, those of skill in the art will recognize that acomputer program may be written in various versions of variouslanguages.

The functionality of the computer readable instructions may be combinedor distributed as desired in various environments. In some embodiments,a computer program comprises one sequence of instructions. In someembodiments, a computer program comprises a plurality of sequences ofinstructions. In some embodiments, a computer program is provided fromone location. In other embodiments, a computer program is provided froma plurality of locations. In various embodiments, a computer programincludes one or more software modules. In various embodiments, acomputer program includes, in part or in whole, one or more webapplications, one or more mobile applications, one or more standaloneapplications, one or more web browser plug-ins, extensions, add-ins, oradd-ons, or combinations thereof.

Web Application

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a web application. Inlight of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art willrecognize that a web application, in various embodiments, utilizes oneor more software frameworks and one or more database systems. In someembodiments, a web application is created upon a software framework suchas Microsoft® .NET or Ruby on Rails (RoR). In some embodiments, a webapplication utilizes one or more database systems including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, relational, non-relational, object oriented,associative, and XML database systems. In further embodiments, suitablerelational database systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,Microsoft® SQL Server, mySQL™, and Oracle®. Those of skill in the artwill also recognize that a web application, in various embodiments, iswritten in one or more versions of one or more languages. A webapplication may be written in one or more markup languages, presentationdefinition languages, client-side scripting languages, server-sidecoding languages, database query languages, or combinations thereof. Insome embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in amarkup language such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), ExtensibleHypertext Markup Language (XHTML), or eXtensible Markup Language (XML).In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in apresentation definition language such as Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in aclient-side scripting language such as Asynchronous Javascript and XML(AJAX), Flash® ActionScript, JavaScript, or Silverlight®. In someembodiments, a web application is written to some extent in aserver-side coding language such as Active Server Pages (ASP),ColdFusion®, Perl, Java™, JavaServer Pages (JSP), Hypertext Preprocessor(PHP), Python™, Ruby, Tcl, Smalltalk, WebDNA®, or Groovy. In someembodiments, a web application is written to some extent in a databasequery language such as Structured Query Language (SQL). In someembodiments, a web application integrates enterprise server productssuch as IBM® Lotus Domino®. In some embodiments, a web applicationincludes a media player element. In various further embodiments, a mediaplayer element utilizes one or more of many suitable multimediatechnologies including, by way of non-limiting examples, Adobe® Flash®,HTML 5, Apple® QuickTime®, Microsoft® Silverlight®, Java™, and Unity®.

Referring to FIG. 15, in a particular embodiment, an applicationprovision system comprises one or more databases 1500 accessed by arelational database management system (RDBMS) 1510. Suitable RDBMSsinclude Firebird, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle Database, MicrosoftSQL Server, IBM DB2, IBM Informix, SAP Sybase, SAP Sybase, Teradata, andthe like. In this embodiment, the application provision system furthercomprises one or more application severs 1520 (such as Java servers,.NET servers, PHP servers, and the like) and one or more web servers1530 (such as Apache, IIS, GWS and the like). The web server(s)optionally expose one or more web services via app applicationprogramming interfaces (APIs) 1540. Via a network, such as the internet,the system provides browser-based and/or mobile native user interfaces.

Referring to FIG. 16, in a particular embodiment, an applicationprovision system alternatively has a distributed, cloud-basedarchitecture 1600 and comprises elastically load balanced, auto-scalingweb server resources 1610, and application server resources 1620 as wellsynchronously replicated databases 1630.

Platform for Autonomously or Semi-Autonomously Delivering a Second Itemto a Customer

Provided herein per FIG. 17, is a platform for autonomously orsemi-autonomously delivering a second item to a customer, the platformcomprising: an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 1710 and anon-transitory computer-readable storage media encoded with a computerprogram including instructions executable by a processor to create anapplication 1750.

The autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 1710 may comprise a lockingcompartment 1720, an input device 1730, and an autonomous orsemi-autonomous or semi-autonomous propulsion system 1740.

The locking compartment 1720 may be configured to contain and secure atleast one of a first item and at least one of a second item. Thecompartment 1720 may comprise a sensor 1723 configured to detect anabsence of at least one of the first item and the second item. In someembodiments, the sensor 1723 comprises at least one of a thermometer, abarcode scanner, an RFID reader, a scale, a pressure sensor 1723, aswitch, and a camera. In some embodiments, the locking compartment 1720is configured to contain and secure 2 or more first items, 2 or moresecond items, or both. In some embodiments, the locking compartment 1720further comprises a vending mechanism configured to vend at least one ofthe first item and the second item. In some embodiments, the first itemcomprises a plurality of first items. In some embodiments the seconditem comprises a plurality of second items, or both.

The input device 1730 may be configured to receive at least one of acustomer verification and a selection of the second item by thecustomer. In some embodiments, the input device 1730 comprises Wi-Fiinput device 1730, a Bluetooth input device 1730, a cellular inputdevice 1730, a button, a touchscreen, a camera, a USB input, a keyboard,or any combination thereof.

The application 1750 may comprise an ordering module 1751, a deliverymodule 1752, a customer verification module 1753, and a releasedetection module 1754. In some embodiments, at least a portion of theapplication 1750 is performed aboard the vehicle. In some embodiments,the processor resides aboard the vehicle.

The ordering module 1751 may be configured to receive an order from thecustomer. The order may comprise the first item and a customer location.

The delivery module 1752 may control the autonomous or semi-autonomouspropulsion system 1740. The delivery module 1752 may control theautonomous or semi-autonomous propulsion system 1740 to direct theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle 1710 to the customer location.

The customer verification module 1753 may confirm an identity of thecustomer. The customer verification module 1753 may confirm an identityof the customer based on the customer verification. The customerverification module 1753 may further unlock the locking compartment1720. The customer verification module 1753 may unlock the lockingcompartment 1720 based on the confirmation of the identity of thecustomer.

The release detection module 1754 may determine that first item has beenremoved from the compartment 1720. The release detection module 1754 maydetermine that first item has been removed from the compartment 1720based on the absence of the first item. The release detection module1754 may further or alternatively determine that second item has beenremoved from the compartment 1720. The release detection module 1754 mayfurther or alternatively determine that second item has been removedfrom the compartment 1720 based on the absence of the second item.

In some embodiments, the application 1750 further comprises a databasemodule. The database may comprise a customer data. The customer data maybe associated with the customer. The application 1750 may furthercomprise a prediction module. The prediction module may be configured todetermine the second item. The prediction module may be configured todetermine the second item based at least on the first item and thecustomer data. In some embodiments, the prediction module determines thesecond item by a machine learning algorithm. In some embodiments, theprediction module is further configured to send a loading instruction toa loading administrator. In some embodiments, the prediction modulesends the loading instruction to a loading administrator based on thedetermination of the second item.

In some embodiments, the database module comprises a plurality of uniqueidentifiers. The plurality of unique identifiers may comprise at least afirst identification and a second identification. The firstidentification may be associated with the first item. The secondidentification may be associated with the second item. In someembodiments, the first item comprises a first indicator. The firstindicator may be associated with the first identification. In someembodiments, the second item comprises a second indicator. The secondindicator may be associated with the second identification. In someembodiments, the release detection module 1754 detects that first itemhas been removed by detecting the first indicator. In some embodiments,the release detection module 1754 detects that second item has beenremoved by detecting the second indicator.

In some embodiments the platform further comprises a communicationdevice configured to receive an instruction from a fleet managementmodule. In some embodiments, the instruction comprises at least one ofthe customer location, and the customer verification.

In some embodiments the platform further comprises at least one of anenergy storage device, and an energy collection device. In someembodiments the platform further comprises a screen. The screen may beconfigured to display a media. In some embodiments, the media comprisesa media based on the first item, a media associated with the seconditem, a price associated with the first item, a price associated withthe second item, the selection, the order, the absence of the firstitem, the absence of the second item, the customer location, thecustomer verification, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the application 1750 further comprises a paymentmodule. The payment module may be configured to charge the customerbased on the first item being removed from the compartment 1720, thatsecond item being removed from the compartment 1720, or both.

Locking Compartment

The locking compartment may be configured to contain and secure at leastone of a first item and a second item. The locking compartment maycomprise a lock comprising a magnet, an actuator, a solenoid, a gear, apulley, a belt, or any combination thereof. The compartment may comprisea sensor configured to detect an absence of at least one of the firstitem and the second item. In some embodiments, the locking compartmentis configured to contain and secure 2 or more first items, 2 or moresecond items, or both. In some embodiments, the locking compartmentfurther comprises a vending mechanism configured to vend at least one ofthe first item and the second item. In some embodiments, the first itemcomprises a plurality of items. In some embodiments, the second itemcomprises a plurality of items. The compartment may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, or more compartments, includingincrements therein. One or more of the compartments may be configuredwith the same size, the same shape, or both. One or more of thecompartments may be configured with the different sizes, shapes, orboth. Each compartment may comprise one or more inserts to secure atleast one of the first item and the second item.

Sensor

The sensor configured to detect an absence of at least one of the firstitem and the second item. In some embodiments, the sensor comprises atleast one of a thermometer, a barcode scanner, an RFID reader, a scale,a pressure sensor, a switch, and a camera. The compartment may compriseone or more sensors. The compartment may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10,12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, or more sensors, including incrementstherein. Two or more sensors may work in parallel to detect the absenceof the of the first item, the absence of the second item, or both. Thetwo or more sensors working in parallel may comprise different types ofsensors. The two or more sensors working in parallel may comprise two ormore sensors that are configured to measure a data associated with theabsence of the first item, the second item, or both.

Input Device

The input device may be configured to receive at least one of a customerverification and a selection of the second item by the customer. In someembodiments, the input device comprises Wi-Fi input device, a Bluetoothinput device, a cellular input device, a button, a touchscreen, acamera, a USB input, a keyboard, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the input device is on the autonomous or semi-autonomousvehicle. In additional embodiments, the input device is configured toreceive signal from a user or customer cellular phone. In furtherembodiments, the input device is configured to connect the user orcustomer cellular phone with the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.The input device may be configured to prevent fraud, tampering, or both.The input device may receive the customer verification from anadministrator, from a registered mobile application associated with thecustomer, or both. The input device may be further configured to receivea selection of the first item. In additional embodiments, the inputdevice is configured to receive a selection of a plurality of items. Theinput device may be further configured to receive a payment method. Thepayment method may comprise a credit card slot, a mobile phone basedpayment method, or both.

Ordering Module

The ordering module may be configured to receive an order from thecustomer. The order may comprise the first item and a customer location.The order may comprise one or more of the first items. The order mayfurther comprise a third item, a fourth item, a fifth item or any numberof additional items. The customer location may comprise a GPScoordinate, a street address, a cross-street, a locker, or anycombination thereof. The ordering module may receive the order from amobile processer, a server processor, or any combination thereof. Theordering module may associate the first item with a first item price.The ordering module may request an upcharge or fee based on the customerlocation. The order may further comprise a delivery time or deliverytime period.

Delivery Module

The delivery module may control the autonomous or semi-autonomouspropulsion system. The delivery module may control the autonomous orsemi-autonomous propulsion system to direct the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle to the customer location. The delivery modulemay control the autonomous or semi-autonomous propulsion system todirect the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to the customerlocation by a route. The delivery module may determine the route to thecustomer location that is shortest in distance, time, energyexpenditure, or any combination thereof. The delivery module maydetermine the route for two or more orders, wherein the route comprisesthe customer location for the customer associated with each order. Theorder may control the autonomous or semi-autonomous propulsion system todirect the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to arrive at thecustomer location at or during the delivery time period.

Customer Verification Module

The customer verification module may confirm an identity of thecustomer. The customer verification module may confirm an identity ofthe customer based on the customer verification. The customerverification module may further unlock the locking compartment. Thecustomer verification module may unlock the locking compartment based onthe confirmation of the identity of the customer. The identity of thecustomer may comprise a name, a birthdate, a social security number, acredit card number, a user account number, a username, a password, apin, a voice identification, a facial identification, an irisidentification, a handprint, a fingerprint, or any combination thereof.

Release Detection Module

The release detection module may determine that first item has beenremoved from the compartment. The release detection module may determinethat first item has been removed from the compartment based on theabsence of the first item. The release detection module may determinethat first item has been removed from the compartment based on theabsence of the first item for a set absence period of time. The setabsence period may be 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, ormore. The release detection module may determine that first item hasbeen removed from the compartment based on the absence of the first itemand once the vehicle, the customer, or both departs.

The release detection module may further or alternatively determine thatsecond item has been removed from the compartment. The release detectionmodule may further or alternatively determine that second item has beenremoved from the compartment based on the absence of the second item.The release detection module may determine that second item has beenremoved from the compartment based on the absence of the second item fora set absence period of time. The set absence period may be 30 seconds,1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or more. The release detection modulemay determine that second item has been removed from the compartmentbased on the absence of the second item and once the vehicle, thecustomer, or both departs.

Database Module

The database may comprise a customer data. The customer data may beassociated with the customer. In some embodiments, the database modulecomprises a plurality of unique identifiers. The plurality of uniqueidentifiers may comprise at least a first identification and a secondidentification. The first identification may be associated with thefirst item. The second identification may be associated with the seconditem. In some embodiments, the first item comprises a first indicator.The first indicator may be associated with the first identification. Insome embodiments, the second item comprises a second indicator. Thesecond indicator may be associated with the second identification. Insome embodiments, the release detection module detects that first itemhas been removed by detecting the first indicator. In some embodiments,the release detection module detects that second item has been removedby detecting the second indicator. At least one of the first indicatorand the second indicator may comprise a barcode, a label, and an RFIDchip.

In view of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the artwill recognize that many databases are suitable for autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles. In various embodiments, suitable databasesinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, relational databases,non-relational databases, object oriented databases, object databases,entity-relationship model databases, associative databases, and XMLdatabases. Further non-limiting examples include SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL,Oracle, DB2, and Sybase. In some embodiments, a database isinternet-based. In further embodiments, a database is web-based. Instill further embodiments, a database is cloud computing-based. In otherembodiments, a database is based on one or more local computer storagedevices.

Prediction Module

The prediction module may be configured to determine the second item.The prediction module may be configured to determine the second itembased at least on the first item and the customer data. In someembodiments, the prediction module determines the second item by amachine learning algorithm, a rule based algorithm, or both. In someembodiments, the prediction module may be further configured to send aloading instruction to a loading administrator. In some embodiments, theprediction module sends the loading instruction to a loadingadministrator based on the determination of the second item. Theprediction module may be configured to determine a plurality of seconditems. The prediction module may be configured to determine a primarysecond item, a secondary second item different than the first secondaryitem, or more second items different than the primary second item andthe secondary second item. The prediction module may be furtherconfigured to determine an upcharge, associated with the second item.The prediction module may be further configured to determine a bundlingprice plan associated with the first item and the second item.

Communication Device

In some embodiments the platform further comprises a communicationdevice configured to receive an instruction from a fleet managementmodule. In some embodiments, the instruction comprises at least one ofthe customer location, and the customer verification. The communicationdevice may comprise a wired communication device, a Wi-Fi communicationdevice, a cellular communication device, a Bluetooth communicationdevice, a radio communication device, or any combination thereof. Thecommunication device may comprise a plurality of communication devices.The plurality of communication device may work in series, in parallel,or in a mesh network.

Payment Module

The payment module may be configured to charge the customer based on thefirst item being removed from the compartment, that second item beingremoved from the compartment, or both. The payment module may beconfigured to receive and store a payment method associated with thecustomer. The payment module may comprise a wireless payment module,credit card payment module, bitcoin payment module or similar paymentmethods using blockchain, or a cash payment module.

Mobile Application

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a mobile applicationprovided to a mobile digital processing device. In some embodiments, themobile application is provided to a mobile digital processing device atthe time it is manufactured. In other embodiments, the mobileapplication is provided to a mobile digital processing device via thecomputer network described herein.

In view of the disclosure provided herein, a mobile application iscreated by techniques known to those of skill in the art using hardware,languages, and development environments known to the art. Those of skillin the art will recognize that mobile applications are written inseveral languages. Suitable programming languages include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Java™, Javascript,Pascal, Object Pascal, Python™, Ruby, VB.NET, WML, and XHTML/HTML withor without CSS, or combinations thereof.

Suitable mobile application development environments are available fromseveral sources. Commercially available development environmentsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, AirplaySDK, alcheMo,Appcelerator®, Celsius, Bedrock, Flash Lite, .NET Compact Framework,Rhomobile, and WorkLight Mobile Platform. Other development environmentsare available without cost including, by way of non-limiting examples,Lazarus, MobiFlex, MoSync, and Phonegap. Also, mobile devicemanufacturers distribute software developer kits including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, iPhone and iPad (iOS) SDK, Android™ SDK,BlackBerry® SDK, BREW SDK, Palm® OS SDK, Symbian SDK, webOS SDK, andWindows® Mobile SDK.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that several commercial forumsare available for distribution of mobile applications including, by wayof non-limiting examples, Apple® App Store, Google® Play, Chrome WebStore, BlackBerry® App World, App Store for Palm devices, App Catalogfor webOS, Windows® Marketplace for Mobile, Ovi Store for Nokia®devices, Samsung® Apps, and Nintendo® DSi Shop.

Standalone Application

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a standaloneapplication, which is a program that is run as an independent computerprocess, not an add-on to an existing process, e.g., not a plug-in.Those of skill in the art will recognize that standalone applicationsare often compiled. A compiler is a computer program(s) that transformssource code written in a programming language into binary object codesuch as assembly language or machine code. Suitable compiled programminglanguages include, by way of non-limiting examples, C, C++, Objective-C,COBOL, Delphi, Eiffel, Java™, Lisp, Python™, Visual Basic, and VB .NET,or combinations thereof. Compilation is often performed, at least inpart, to create an executable program. In some embodiments, a computerprogram includes one or more executable complied applications.

Web Browser Plug-in

In some embodiments, the computer program includes a web browser plug-in(e.g., extension, etc.). In computing, a plug-in is one or more softwarecomponents that add specific functionality to a larger softwareapplication. Makers of software applications support plug-ins to enablethird-party developers to create abilities which extend an application,to support easily adding new features, and to reduce the size of anapplication. When supported, plug-ins enable customizing thefunctionality of a software application. For example, plug-ins arecommonly used in web browsers to play video, generate interactivity,scan for viruses, and display particular file types. Those of skill inthe art will be familiar with several web browser plug-ins including,Adobe® Flash® Player, Microsoft® Silverlight®, and Apple® QuickTime®.

In view of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the artwill recognize that several plug-in frameworks are available that enabledevelopment of plug-ins in various programming languages, including, byway of non-limiting examples, C++, Delphi, Java™, PHP, Python™, and VB.NET, or combinations thereof.

Web browsers (also called Internet browsers) are software applications,designed for use with network-connected digital processing devices, forretrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on theWorld Wide Web. Suitable web browsers include, by way of non-limitingexamples, Microsoft® Internet Explorer®, Mozilla® Firefox®, Google®Chrome, Apple® Safari®, Opera Software® Opera®, and KDE Konqueror. Insome embodiments, the web browser is a mobile web browser. Mobile webbrowsers (also called microbrowsers, mini-browsers, and wirelessbrowsers) are designed for use on mobile digital processing devicesincluding, by way of non-limiting examples, handheld computers, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, subnotebook computers, smartphones, musicplayers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and handheld video gamesystems. Suitable mobile web browsers include, by way of non-limitingexamples, Google® Android® browser, RIM BlackBerry® Browser, Apple®Safari®, Palm® Blazer, Palm® WebOS® Browser, Mozilla® Firefox® formobile, Microsoft® Internet Explorer® Mobile, Amazon® Kindle® Basic Web,Nokia® Browser, Opera Software® Opera® Mobile, and Sony® PSP™ browser.

Software Modules

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include software, server, and/or database modules, oruse of the same. In view of the disclosure provided herein, softwaremodules are created by techniques known to those of skill in the artusing machines, software, and languages known to the art. The softwaremodules disclosed herein are implemented in a multitude of ways. Invarious embodiments, a software module comprises a file, a section ofcode, a programming object, a programming structure, or combinationsthereof. In further various embodiments, a software module comprises aplurality of files, a plurality of sections of code, a plurality ofprogramming objects, a plurality of programming structures, orcombinations thereof. In various embodiments, the one or more softwaremodules comprise, by way of non-limiting examples, a web application, amobile application, and a standalone application. In some embodiments,software modules are in one computer program or application. In otherembodiments, software modules are in more than one computer program orapplication. In some embodiments, software modules are hosted on onemachine. In other embodiments, software modules are hosted on more thanone machine. In further embodiments, software modules are hosted oncloud computing platforms. In some embodiments, software modules arehosted on one or more machines in one location. In other embodiments,software modules are hosted on one or more machines in more than onelocation.

Databases

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include one or more databases, or use of the same. Inview of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art willrecognize that many databases are suitable for autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles. In various embodiments, suitable databasesinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, relational databases,non-relational databases, object oriented databases, object databases,entity-relationship model databases, associative databases, and XMLdatabases. Further non-limiting examples include SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL,Oracle, DB2, and Sybase. In some embodiments, a database isinternet-based. In further embodiments, a database is web-based. Instill further embodiments, a database is cloud computing-based. In otherembodiments, a database is based on one or more local computer storagedevices.

Terms and Definitions

As used herein, the terms “fleet,” “sub-fleet,” and like terms are usedto indicate a number of land vehicles, watercraft, or aircraft operatingtogether or under the same ownership. In some embodiments the fleet orsub-fleet is engaged in the same activity. In some embodiments, thefleet or sub-fleet are engaged in similar activities. In someembodiments, the fleet, or sub-fleet are engaged in differentactivities.

As used herein, the terms “autonomous vehicle,” “autonomous vehiclefleet,” “vehicle,” “all-terrain vehicle,” and like terms are used toindicate a mobile machine that transports cargo. Typical vehiclesinclude cars, wagons, vans, unmanned motor vehicles (e.g., tricycles,trucks, trailers, buses, etc.), unmanned railed vehicles (e.g., trains,trams, etc.), unmanned watercraft (e.g., ships, boats, ferries, landingcraft, barges, rafts, etc.), aerial drones, unmanned hovercraft (air,land and water types), unmanned aircraft, and even including unmannedspacecraft.

As used herein, the terms “user,” “operator,” “fleet operator,” and liketerms are used to indicate the entity that owns or is responsible formanaging and operating the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet.

As used herein, the term “customer” and like terms are used to indicatethe entity that requests the services provided the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicle fleet.

As used herein, the terms “provider,” “business,” “vendor,” “third partyvendor,” and like terms are used to indicate an entity that works inconcert with the fleet owner or operator to utilize the services of theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet to deliver the provider'sproduct from and or return the provider's product to the provider'splace of business or staging location.

As used herein, the terms “server,” “computer server,” “central server,”“main server,” and like terms are used to indicate a computer or deviceon a network that manages the fleet resources, namely the autonomous orsemi-autonomous vehicles.

As used herein, the term “controller” and like terms are used toindicate a device that controls the transfer of data from a computer toa peripheral device and vice versa. For example, disk drives, displayscreens, keyboards, and printers all require controllers. In personalcomputers, the controllers are often single chips. As used herein thecontroller is commonly used for managing access to components of theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle such as the securablecompartments.

As used herein a “mesh network” is a network topology in which each noderelays data for the network. All mesh nodes cooperate in thedistribution of data in the network. It can be applied to both wired andwireless networks. Wireless mesh networks can be considered a type of“Wireless ad hoc” network. Thus, wireless mesh networks are closelyrelated to Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). Although MANETs are notrestricted to a specific mesh network topology, Wireless ad hoc networksor MANETs can take any form of network topology. Mesh networks can relaymessages using either a flooding technique or a routing technique. Withrouting, the message is propagated along a path by hopping from node tonode until it reaches its destination. To ensure that all its paths areavailable, the network must allow for continuous connections and mustreconfigure itself around broken paths, using self-healing algorithmssuch as Shortest Path Bridging. Self-healing allows a routing-basednetwork to operate when a node breaks down or when a connection becomesunreliable. As a result, the network is typically quite reliable, asthere is often more than one path between a source and a destination inthe network. This concept can also apply to wired networks and tosoftware interaction. A mesh network whose nodes are all connected toeach other is a fully connected network.

As used herein, the term “module” and like terms are used to indicate aself-contained hardware component of the central server, which in turncomprises software modules. In software, a module is a part of aprogram. Programs are composed of one or more independently developedmodules that are not combined until the program is linked. A singlemodule can contain one or several routines, or sections of programs thatperform a particular task. As used herein the fleet management modulecomprises software modules for managing various aspects and functions ofthe autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle fleet.

As used herein, the terms “processor,” “digital processing device,” andlike terms are used to indicate a microprocessor or central processingunit (CPU). The CPU is the electronic circuitry within a computer thatcarries out the instructions of a computer program by performing thebasic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operationsspecified by the instructions.

In accordance with the description herein, suitable digital processingdevices include, by way of non-limiting examples, server computers,desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, sub-notebookcomputers, netbook computers, netpad computers, set-top computers,handheld computers, Internet appliances, mobile smartphones, tabletcomputers, personal digital assistants, video game consoles, andvehicles. Those of skill in the art will recognize that many smartphonesare suitable for use in the system described herein. Suitable tabletcomputers include those with booklet, slate, and convertibleconfigurations, known to those of skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an operatingsystem configured to perform executable instructions. The operatingsystem is, for example, software, including programs and data, whichmanages the device's hardware and provides services for execution ofapplications. Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitableserver operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD®, Linux, Apple® Mac OS X Server®, Oracle®Solaris®, Windows Server®, and Novell® NetWare®. Those of skill in theart will recognize that suitable personal computer operating systemsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, Microsoft® Windows®, Apple®Mac OS X®, UNIX®, and UNIX-like operating systems such as GNU/Linux®. Insome embodiments, the operating system is provided by cloud computing.Those of skill in the art will also recognize that suitable mobile smartphone operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Nokia®Symbian® OS, Apple® iOS®, Research In Motion® BlackBerry OS®, Google®Android®, Microsoft® Windows Phone® OS, Microsoft® Windows Mobile® OS,Linux®, and Palm® WebOS®.

In some embodiments, the device includes a storage and/or memory device.The storage and/or memory device is one or more physical apparatus usedto store data or programs on a temporary or permanent basis. In someembodiments, the device is volatile memory and requires power tomaintain stored information. In some embodiments, the device isnon-volatile memory and retains stored information when the digitalprocessing device is not powered. In some embodiments, the non-volatilememory comprises flash memory. In some embodiments, the non-volatilememory comprises dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). In someembodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises ferroelectric randomaccess memory (FRAM). In some embodiments, the non-volatile memorycomprises phase-change random access memory (PRAM). In some embodiments,the device is a storage device including, by way of non-limitingexamples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, magnetic disk drives,magnetic tapes drives, optical disk drives, and cloud computing basedstorage. In some embodiments, the storage and/or memory device is acombination of devices such as those disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes a display tosend visual information to a user. In some embodiments, the display is acathode ray tube (CRT). In some embodiments, the display is a liquidcrystal display (LCD). In some embodiments, the display is a thin filmtransistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). In some embodiments, thedisplay is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. In varioussome embodiments, on OLED display is a passive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) oractive-matrix OLED (AMOLED) display. In some embodiments, the display isa plasma display. In some embodiments, the display is a video projector.In some embodiments, the display is interactive (e.g., having a touchscreen or a sensor such as a camera, a 3D sensor, a LiDAR, a radar,etc.) that can detect user interactions/gestures/responses and the like.In still some embodiments, the display is a combination of devices suchas those disclosed herein.

EXAMPLE Upsetting a Baseball Mitt when Customer Purchases a Baseball BatUsing an Autonomous Vehicle

In one example, an ordering module of the platform receives an orderfrom Sam for a baseball bat to 123 A Street. The prediction moduledetermines that given Sam's order and purchase history, he may also wantto purchase a baseball mitt. The delivery module then controls theautonomous or semi-autonomous propulsion system of one or more of theautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to deliver the baseball bat andthe baseball mitt to 123 A Street. Once the vehicle arrives at 123 AStreet, the customer verification module confirms that the personwaiting to pick up the order is in-fact Sam. The customer verificationmodule then unlocks the locking compartment. Sam removes the baseballbat and decides to keep it. Sam then removes and inspects the baseballmitt, decides not to purchase the mitt and returns it to thecompartment. A release detection module determines that the baseball bathas been removed based on an absence of the baseball bat, and determinesthat the baseball mitt has been returned and is not absent. The paymentmodule then charges Sam for the price of the baseball bat.

What is claimed is:
 1. A platform for providing at least one item to acustomer, the platform comprising: a) a vehicle, the vehicle beingautonomous, semi-autonomous, or fully autonomous, the vehicle including(i) at least one compartment configured to contain a first item orderedby the customer and to contain a second item not ordered by thecustomer, wherein the at least one compartment includes at least onesensor configured to detect an absence of at least one of the first itemand the second item, (ii) an input device configured to obtain aselection of the second item from the customer, and (iii) a propulsionsystem, the propulsion system being autonomous, semi-autonomous, orfully autonomous; and b) a non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium encoded with a computer program including instructions executableby a processor to create an application including: (i) an orderingmodule configured to obtain an order from the customer, the orderincluding the first item, (ii) a delivery module configured to controlthe propulsion system to direct the autonomous vehicle to a customerlocation, (iii) a customer verification module configured to confirm anidentity of the customer, the customer verification module furtherconfigured to provide access to the at least one compartment based onconfirmation of the identity of the customer, and (iv) a releasedetection module configured to determine when the first item has beenremoved from the at least one compartment and configured to determinewhen the second item has been removed from the at least one compartment.2. The platform of claim 1 wherein the at least one compartment includesa first compartment and a second compartment, and wherein the firstcompartment is configured to secure the first item and the secondcompartment is configured to secure the second item.
 3. The platform ofclaim 2 wherein the at least one sensor includes a first sensor includedin the second compartment.
 4. The platform of claim 1 wherein therelease detection module is further configured to determine whether thesecond item has been returned to the at least one compartment afterbeing removed from the at least one compartment.
 5. The platform ofclaim 1 wherein the input device is further configured to obtain acustomer verification.
 6. The platform of claim 1 wherein the orderfurther includes the customer location.
 7. The platform of claim 1further including a database and a prediction module, the databasecontaining customer data for the customer, wherein the prediction moduleis configured to determine the second item for inclusion in the at leastone compartment based at least on the first item and the customer data.8. The platform of claim 1 further including a database and a predictionmodule, the database containing a past purchasing history for thecustomer, wherein the prediction module is configured to determine thesecond item for inclusion in the at least one compartment based on theorder and the past purchasing history for the customer.
 9. The platformof claim 1 further including a prediction module, wherein the predictionmodule is configured to determine the second item for inclusion in theat least one compartment based on aggregate purchasing behaviors ofconsumers similar to the customer.
 10. The platform of claim 1 whereinthe at least one compartment is temperature controlled.
 11. A vehiclefor providing at least one item to a customer, the vehicle beingautonomous, semi-autonomous, or fully autonomous, the vehiclecomprising: a propulsion system for propelling the vehicle to a locationassociated with the customer, wherein the propulsion system isautonomous, semi-autonomous, or fully autonomous; at least onecompartment configured to contain a first item ordered by the customerand to contain a second item not ordered by the customer, wherein thesecond item is loaded in the vehicle based on the first item andcustomer data associated with the customer; an input device configuredto verify an identity of the customer, wherein the input device isarranged to obtain an indication that the identity of the customer isconfirmed, and wherein access to the at least one compartment isprovided to the customer when the identity of the customer is confirmed;and at least one sensor, the at least one sensor configured to determinewhen at least one of the first item and the second item has been removedfrom the at least one compartment after access to the at least onecompartment is provided to the customer.
 12. The vehicle of claim 11wherein the at least one sensor is located in the at least onecompartment, wherein the at least one sensor is arranged to detect whenthe first item has been removed from the at least one compartment. 13.The vehicle of claim 12 wherein the at least one sensor is furtherarranged to detect when the second item is removed from the at least onecompartment and to detect when the second item is returned to the atleast one compartment.
 14. The vehicle of claim 11 wherein the at leastone compartment includes a first compartment and a second compartment,the first compartment being configured to contain the first item, thesecond compartment being configured to contain the second item.
 15. Thevehicle of claim 14 wherein access for the customer to the firstcompartment is provided when the identity of the customer is confirmed.16. The vehicle of claim 14 wherein the input device is furtherconfigured to obtain a selection of the second item from the customer.17. The vehicle of claim 14 wherein the at least one sensor includes afirst sensor, the first sensor being located in the first compartment,wherein the first sensor is arranged to detect when the first item hasbeen removed from the first compartment.
 18. The vehicle of claim 17wherein the at least one sensor further includes a second sensor, thesecond sensor being located in the second compartment, wherein thesecond sensor is arranged to detect when the second item is removed fromthe second compartment and to detect when the second item is returned tothe second compartment.
 19. The vehicle of claim 11 wherein the inputdevice is arranged to obtain the indication that the identity of thecustomer is confirmed from an application, the application being createdby a processor executing instructions encoded as a computer program on anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium.
 20. The vehicle ofclaim 19 wherein the vehicle includes the processor.